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Business NewsAs the largest city in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa has a lot happening and is often mentioned in the news. We hope you enjoy the following news items. Sonoma County Fair Welcomes New Exhibits Coordinator
"Monica is going to be a great addition to the Fair. She's got an unbelievable passion for the exhibits program and a great Fair management background," says Tawny Tesconi, Fair Manager at the Sonoma County Fair. Rodriguez has been active in the field more than 20 years and has served on the California Fairs State Rules Committee since 2007 as well as on the Exhibits Committee for the International Association of Fairs & Expos. As a youth, Rodriguez was active in the Solano County 4-H program for nine years and Future Farmers of America for three years. She raised and exhibited market hogs, market lambs and dairy goats, and studied agriculture at Modesto Junior College. She later attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Agriculture Science with a Livestock Production concentration. "Fair management really touched a nerve," explains Rodriguez, "It combines the aspects of encouraging youth to learn about agriculture plus the challenge of management and promoting agriculture to the whole community." In addition to her duties running Sonoma County Fair's livestock and competitive exhibits, Rodriguez will be managing the Sonoma County Harvest Fair that takes place the first weekend in October. The annual event features the World Championship Grape Stomp, wine tastings, chef demonstrations and agricultural activities for children and adults. A long-time fan of Sonoma County Fair and Harvest Fair, Rodriguez is thrilled to join the management team for both events. "I'm looking forward to continuing the level of excellence Sonoma County Fair has shown through the years and finding new ways to engage the community in the exhibits programs and the Harvest Fair. We want to create exciting and memorable experiences for both participants and the public." The 2012 Sonoma County Fair will be held July 25 through August 12. The Harvest Fair is scheduled for October 5-7, 2012. Both events are held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. For more information, visit www.sonomacountyfair.com or call (707) 545-4200. Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites is Waking Up to Green Your visit to Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites just got a little greener. The recently renovated upper mid-scale hotel officially joined the EcoStay™ program. EcoStay is a national initiative that helps hotels measure their carbon footprint, identify and fund reduction strategies and balance off their greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offsetting. "We're very excited to be part of the EcoStay program," said Todd Anderson, General Manager of Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites. "It's a meaningful and effective way of demonstrating our concern for the environment." For more details on the program, read the full release One-Click, Concierge-Quality Rentals from BikePartners.net Santa Rosa-based BikePartners.net has joined the Sonoma County bicycle touring community this season, offering Bike Friday® folding bicycle rentals to an increasingly health-conscious traveling public. Through an innovative rental program featuring a national bicycle rental network and Bike Friday® — an internationally-known quality bicycle manufacturer based in Eugene, OR, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year — BikePartners.net offers a concierge-quality mobile service oriented to the discriminating consumer who values a quality travel experience. Bicycles are booked on-line or by phone, then delivered to the customer's location (in the Sonoma County region) or via UPS door-to-door shipment. BikePartners.net is a member of the national "Rent A Bike Now" network, which offers its customers a one-click solution to renting bicycles anywhere in North America. "Cycling is all about the experience and BikePartners.net delivers on all counts," said George Gill, President of RentaBikeNow.com. "From high-end equipment to free delivery, these guys go the extra mile for every customer." Company founders Geoffrey Smith and Camille Armstrong described their vision this way: "We wanted to share the love we have for Bike Fridays, so we've made access to the bikes easy and fun." Travelers are quickly discovering Bike Friday mojo as they travel the countryside with their folding rides packed neatly and safely in the trunk of their rental vehicle — ready to unfold and ride at a moment's notice. "We offer bicycle rentals with a twist," says Smith. Call it a fold or a twist — it works for us! BikePartners.net is an authorized sales and rental dealer for Bike Friday® folding bicycles. View their web site at www.bikepartners.net or call 855.483.3732 toll-free. Bank of Marin Bancorp Reports Record Annual Earnings of $15.6 Million Bank of Marin Bancorp ("Bancorp", NASDAQ: BMRC) announces 2011 annual earnings of $15.6 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 14.8%, from $13.6 million a year ago. Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $2.89 on a diluted basis, up $0.34 from $2.55 in the prior year. 2011 earnings include the impact of the FDIC-assisted acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of the former Charter Oak Bank on February 18, 2011. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $3.4 million compared to $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 totaled $0.63 compared to $0.73 in the fourth quarter of 2010. "We are pleased to report record earnings and strong loan growth this year driven by our Napa and San Francisco markets," said Russell A. Colombo, Chief Executive Officer. "In this environment, we are encouraged by the lending relationships we are building in new and core markets, which should position us well for future growth."
AXIA Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Weaver to the position of Job Captain. Jason joined AXIA earlier this year and brought with him experience in commercial shell and tenant improvements; residential and mixed use building types. Jason is a native of Sonoma County and is currently studying for his fifth ARE exam. He is the job captain on an employee dining facility, a custom residence, and a technology company expansion. His energy and commitment to his projects is recognized by AXIA’s clients and his peers. AXIA Architects is one of Sonoma County’s leading architectural firms. Recent projects include the Ukiah High School Modernization, Enphase Energy International Headquarters, Sonoma Valley Library Remodel, technology/life science facilities and numerous residences. More information can be found on AXIA Architects at www.axiaarchitects.com. Sonoma County Fair and Fair Manager Earn Top Honors The Western Fairs Association (WFA) has honored Sonoma County Fair Manager Tawny Tesconi (pictured at right) with induction into the WFA Hall of Fame. The award, presented at the WFA’s annual Industry Awards Celebration in Anaheim on January 11, recognizes Tesconi’s ongoing contributions to the regional fair industry. Tesconi has served as Manager of the Sonoma County Fair since 2008 and previously served as Manager of the Sonoma-Marin Fair. A Sonoma County native, she showed market animals at the Fair as a youth exhibitor and went on to work at the Fair during college. In 2007 she served as president of the Western Fairs Association. “This award is presented for service to our industry, but I feel like whatever little things I have done for WFA can’t possibly repay my debt of gratitude to the Fairs for making me who I am and for gracing me with this wonderful community of friends and family,” says Tesconi. Founded in 1922 and incorporated in 1945, Western Fairs Association (WFA) is a non-profit trade association serving the fair industry throughout the Western United States and Canada. WFA promotes the prosperity of fairs through educational activities, training programs, and legislative advocacy while encouraging the highest level of professional standards. The Hall of Fame, established in 1953, recognizes leadership and vision in the fair industry. More than 50 Fairs from throughout the United States and Canada compete for recognition at the WFA annual awards. Tesconi’s induction into the Hall of Fame is the highlight of a series of 26 WFA Achievement Awards recognizing Sonoma County Fair programming, marketing and creativity in 2011. Among these honors are First Place awards recognizing ten Fair activities and exhibits, including the Fair’s 75th Anniversary Museum Exhibit, Diamond Jubilee Cattle Drive, and Children’s Programming. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair also received First Place as “Best non-fair event sponsored by a fairground.” The 2012 Sonoma County Fair is scheduled for July 25 through August 12. Pre-sale discount tickets will be available for purchase in the late spring, and more information will be posted as details are available on the Fair’s website: www.sonomacountyfair.com. Adobe Associates Makes Cost Effective Improvements "We used a whole building approach with this project," explains Nate Gulbransen, owner of Westcoast Solar Energy, "the solar panel awning we placed on the front of the building shows the world that Adobe Associates has taken steps to be environmentally responsible and also pulls double duty by shading the west facing windows, thus cutting cooling costs." In addition to the solar array, the Efficiency Package included a full energy audit, installation of a high efficiency cool roof and a lighting retrofit. Tim Schram, P.E., LEED®AP and Associate Principal at Adobe Associates, was not only pleased with the installation but with Westcoast's ability to help guide them through the loan process, receive the maximum rebate possible through PG&E and collect the Federal cash grant . "I would recommend an efficiency package similar to ours to other businesses especially if you need to repair or replace your existing roof. The cool roof was included in our loan which helped to make this project feasible," explained Schram, "Their construction team was courteous, knowledgeable, and tidy throughout the construction process as well." Westcoast Solar Energy is a full service independent solar integrator based in Sonoma County. Every installation, residential or commercial, is custom designed to meet the job's energy requirements and the natural potential of the location. HomeStar is a division of Westcoast solar which performs energy efficiency services to residential and commercial customers. For additional information, go to www.westcoastsolarenergy.com. Umpqua Bank Named Most Admired Financial Services Company by the Portland Business Journal Goodwill Opens Superstore in Stony Point Plaza Shopping Center The new store, located in the Stony Point Plaza Shopping Center, houses 28,000 sq. ft. of Goodwill operations including 16,000 sq. ft. of retail sales. In addition to being more than twice the size of any other local Goodwill store, it also includes over 1,000 sq. ft. of categorized and alphabetized used books. The facility also houses Goodwill's online auction site, ShopGoodwill.com, and internet book sales, Empire Media. Additionally, the location features a drive-through donation area allowing donors to drop off donations without having to leave their vehicle. Goodwill's CEO, Mark Ihde, stated "We are very excited about this opportunity. The Superstore gives us the opportunity to provide a great service to our donors and shoppers, while providing funding to support our increasing demand for job training and placement services." View pictures of the ribbon cutting and grand opening event. The Press Democrat also has a story on a whole wardrobe being donated. Le Carré Salon and Spa Now Open The much anticipated opening of Le Carré Salon and Spa has arrived. Maria and Jean Charles have combined their international, award-winning creative talents to establish a leading-edge, fashion-forward salon and training academy. Nominated by Vidal Sassoon as one of the ten best stylist in the United States, Maria’s design aesthetic coupled with Jean Charles’ global reputation and experience makes Le Carré Salon a beauty destination like no other. The Salon features extensive services that include: haircut—tint—highlights—bayalage—styling—treatments—updo—bridal—consults—keratin—extensions—makeup. Le Carré Spa offers an experience inspired by the regions abundant wineries and natural resources integrating its use of lavender, grape seed oils, and more of nature’s bounties. We will assure to evaporate the stress from your body. The highly trained staff at Le Carré Spa will ascertain the perfect treatment for you with options like a pampered manicure/pedicure, soothing facial, relaxing massage, indoor couples massage, or a 3 hour escape with multiple offerings. During the warmer months, weather permitting, the Spa also offers a secluded Outdoor Couples Cabana where you and your companion may experience your preferred massage in the serenity of our private garden. Le Carré Salon and Spa employs 21 team members and is open seven days a week to guarantee our clients needs are met. Maria has been in the Sonoma County area for over 25 years and Jean Charles teamed with her five years ago to solidify the most talented duo in the area. Le Carré Salon and Spa is located on the corner of 3rd and Railroad Street tucked inside a quiet courtyard of the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel at 170 Railroad Street in Santa Rosa. For more information, or to make an appointment, call: (707) 636-7300 or visit the website at lecarresalonspa.com. Leff Construction takes first place in Bay Area Remodeling Awards For more details, see the PDF, Transformation of a 1920’s Teardown. North Bay Business Journal Names 2011 Healthiest Companies
Agilent Honored for Pollution Reducing Commute Programs BAAQMD's "Great Race for Clean Air" was a two-month friendly competition between Bay Area employers to see who could reduce the most carbon dioxide or CO2, a greenhouse gas. The competition encouraged the use of commute alternatives such as transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking and bicycling rather than driving solo to work. Aglient was one of the top seven with the largest amount of CO2 savings per capita. CO2 savings were calculated based on the length of the employee’s commute, their vehicle’s gas mileage and the number of miles that were traveled using one of the commute alternatives. “Participants in the Great Race showed that we all can find alternatives to driving alone to work,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “When employees shift their commute, they can save time, money and stress while sparing the air." The Great Race for Clean Air challenged employees and employers from small to large companies to commit to finding alternatives to commuting by car alone for two full months. During the months of September and October, 1,619 employees from 189 companies logged in their daily air-friendly commutes. Approximately 435 tons of CO2 were saved by employees who chose not to drive to work alone. Winners were chosen in several categories, including highest CO2 savings per capita and highest percentage of employee participation per small, medium and large company. View the complete list of regional winners as well as a Press Democrat article on Agilent's participation. Bank of Marin CEO Named Corporate Citizen of the Year Colombo currently serves on the Board of Hanna Boys Center and Western Independent Bankers and is on the Advisory Board for Buckelew Programs and Marin County School to Career Partnership. He is also Chairman of the Citizens Oversight Committee of SMART, a member of College of Marin’s President’s Circle, and was formerly on the Board of Marin Workforce Housing Trust. Bank of Marin gives more than one percent of pre-tax profits to community organizations which is complemented by the donation of more than 7,000 employee volunteer hours during the course of the year. Officers of the Bank also serve on close to 70 non-profit boards. "Bank of Marin was founded on the belief that it is our responsibility to give back to the communities we serve," said Russell A. Colombo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I am grateful for the opportunity to support important local causes and I am proud of our employees who continue to make a valuable difference in the lives of our customers and our communities." Consistently named a Top Corporate Philanthropist by the San Francisco Business Times, Bank of Marin has received many other awards including the Western Banker Community First Award, which recognizes banks for their commitment to helping local communities and creating a healthier environment through tangible programs, policies and projects. New Retail Moves In, Commercial and Office Vacancies Hold Steady Energy Upgrade Program Helps Businesses Reduce Energy, Save Money Energy Upgrade California™ in Sonoma County is part of a new statewide program that packages rebates, incentives, and financing together into a “one-stop shop” to help businesses and homeowners in Santa Rosa and throughout the county reduce energy use and lower utility bills. The program supports a “whole-building” approach to saving energy because it takes more than switching out light bulbs to achieve maximum efficiency and savings. Energy Upgrade in Sonoma County guides and assists commercial property owners and building managers through the process of evaluating opportunities for water conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable generation. Approaching your building as a complete system means considering how HVAC, lighting, insulation, cool roof, water, and other systems can work together most effectively to reduce your energy use and help lower your utility bills. Tax deductions ranging from $0.60 to $1.80 per square foot and utility rebates are available right now for owners of both new and existing buildings who upgrade interior lighting, building "envelope," heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems to reduce the building’s total energy. Energy Upgrade also connects you to commercial project financing options, including the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program. SCEIP can finance energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy improvements through a voluntary assessment, known as Property Assessed Clean Energy or PACE financing. These assessments are attached to the property, not the owner, and are paid back through the property tax system over time. SCEIP is a partner in the Energy Upgrade California program in Sonoma County. The business case for energy efficiency Burr Pilger Mayer to Merge With Windes & McClaughry, Creating the Largest California-Based Accounting & Consulting Firm On September 30, 2011, Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc. (BPM), announced that it is merging with Long Beach-based CPA firm Windes & McClaughry Accountancy Corporation, creating the largest California-based accounting and consulting firm. The combined firm will have $100 million in revenue with a strong presence in both Northern and Southern California. The firm will have 73 shareholders, 550 employees and 11 offices. The target date of the merger is January 1, 2012. "This is the first true north-south merger of significant firms in California accounting history," said BPM managing partner, Steve Mayer. "This will provide more resources for our existing clients, more opportunities for our employees, and a better competitive advantage for us in the marketplace," said Windes managing partner, John Di Carlo. Burr Pilger Mayer, based in San Francisco, has 410 employees, 55 shareholders and six offices in the Bay Area and one in Hong Kong. Windes is headquartered in Long Beach and has 140 people, 18 partners and four offices in Southern California. Both BPM and Windes have built strong practices serving the audit, tax, accounting, and consulting needs of privately held and public companies, exempt organizations, and high-net-worth individuals and families. The two firms share a commitment to client service, community involvement, and a workplace culture that values employees. BPM and Windes complement each other geographically and in their respective areas of expertise. Windes has strong practices in state and local tax compliance and planning, estate, gift and trust planning, and third-party plan administration of qualified retirement plans. BPM strengths include its SEC practice, which is the 12th largest in the nation, and its international tax practice, which is one of the largest on the West Coast. BPM also has strengths in business valuation, litigation support, and wealth management. "Windes has a robust 85-year history in Southern California that we are looking forward to leveraging,” said Mayer. “For the two firms, it was essential that the cultures were a fit in order to establish a strong foundation from which to build. We could not have asked for a better match. This merger gives us significant opportunities to provide enhanced services and expertise to a full spectrum of businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the United States and the rest of the world." "BPM shares our commitment to providing quality, timely service, putting the client first, and being a trusted business advisor," said Di Carlo. "None of that will change with this merger. In fact, it will just get better." The combined firm will be known as BPM in Northern California and as BPM Windes in Southern California. Mayer will be the firm’s chief executive officer and managing partner. Di Carlo will be responsible for the operations of BPM Windes. Sonoma County Healthy Business Program Recognizes First Round of Businesses On July 11, 2011, the Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB), in conjunction with the Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) and Health Action’s Worksite Wellness Workgroup, launched Sonoma County’s first Healthy Business Recognition Program. The Healthy Business Recognition Program is a voluntary certification program that recognizes employers for developing and implementing exceptional employee wellness programs, and is aimed at helping establish a culture of wellness in the workplace throughout Sonoma County. Since the launch, nine businesses have been awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold classification based on the breadth and depth of their employee wellness initiatives. Receiving Gold status were Agilent Technologies, Kaiser Permanente, the Northern California Center for Well-Being, Santa Rosa Community Health Centers, Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park Oral Surgery, St. Joseph Health System - Sonoma County, and Straus Family Creamery. West County Health Centers, Inc. received a Silver award, and La Tortilla Factory received a Bronze. All participating employers are connected with worksite wellness resources to help them improve their wellness efforts and upgrade their award classification in the future. The Sonoma County Healthy Business Recognition Program is free of charge and is open to employers of all sizes and industries. Toni Bonelli, Office Manager at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery, believes that small businesses have the most to gain from worksite wellness efforts. “Smaller employers, such as our group, are greatly affected by ‘unhealthy’ employees. Since making the conscience effort to raise the wellness awareness for our employees, we experience nearly 0% absenteeism!” To participate, employers complete an online application on the EDB’s website that is based on national and regional wellness standards and reflects the Surgeon General’s recommendations for employee health in the 21st Century. Areas of worksite practices being considered are health promotion, physical activity, healthy eating and lactation/breastfeeding accommodation. Applications will be accepted at any time throughout the year, and will be recognized on a monthly basis. The Sonoma County Healthy Business Program is collaborating with the North Bay Business Journal on its inaugural Healthiest Companies Awards. Business Journal editor Brad Bollinger notes that "wellness has moved beyond being a buzzword to action. Improved health in organizations boosts productivity and morale and saves on operational, insurance and other costs. But most importantly, helping people live healthier lives is the right thing to do.” Companies can be nominated for a Healthiest Companies Award at NorthBayBusinessJournal.com. Nominated businesses will be required to complete the Healthy Business program’s online application as part of the selection process. Awards will be presented at the Journal’s Health Care conference in November. Health Action, convened by DHS, is a partnership of community leaders and organizations committed to making Sonoma County the healthiest county in California by 2020. Health Action’s Worksite Wellness Workgroup is focused on increasing the availability of healthy food at and near worksites and opportunities for physical activity before, during, and after work. To learn more about the Healthy Business Program, or to apply, please visit www.sonomaedb.org/wellness.
Habitat for Humanity Gets Solar-Powered Boost from PG&E Habitat for Humanity International and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) worked together on a Habitat solar home in Sebastopol Thursday, Sept. 15. The event included a check presentation and truck donation to Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County. This year, PG&E contributed $70,500 to the Sonoma affiliate of Habitat for Humanity as part of the PG&E Solar Habitat Program, PG&E’s commitment to put solar panels on every Habitat home in the service area. Over the past five years, PG&E has provided $155,000 in financial support to help build quality solar homes for seven deserving Sonoma County families. Additionally, PG&E provided $11,000 in direct local support to help Habitat reach its goals of meeting housing needs in this area. Pacific Landscapes Wins CLCA Achievement Awards “The Sustainable Maintenance award was the night’s climax for us. This is the third year running that we brought home an award in the Sustainable Maintenance category,” says Darryl Orr, co-owner of Pacific Landscapes. In 2009, Pacific Landscapes accelerated their resolve towards sustainable maintenance by replacing conventional synthetic fertilizers with a science backed organic soil fertility program. The switch was offered across the board to all clients at no additional charge. With organic soil fertility in place, Pacific Landscapes has moved their focus to eliminating pesticides. By emphasizing biological management practices, Pacific Landscapes’ use of synthetic pesticide products to control a pest or disease infestation is now a rare exception. “It is a shift of paradigms” says Orr, “We used to focus on killing: killing pests and killing disease. Now we focus on living: promoting healthy living soils and healthy living plants. The pest and disease pathogens will always be present but in a healthy environment they can’t compete.” Pacific Landscapes is a commercial landscape management firm operating in the San Francisco North Bay area since 2000. It is the only major local commercial contractor that provides organic products and procedures as a standard practice to all their clients at no additional charge. Low-Income Family Receives Solar Thanks to City of Santa Rosa - Solar Sonoma County Partnership City of Santa Rosa and City of Healdsburg Partner to Promote Efficiency in Historic Homes Santa Rosa’s Clean Energy Advocates have similar initiatives with the Healdsburg Green City Committee. In Healdsburg the “City Council adopted Resolution 42‐2009 in March 2009 establishing the Green City Committee defining its role, duties and responsibilities. Committee membership consists of a minimum of seven (7) members appointed by the Council, including as a part of its core membership, two Planning Commissioners.” The City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County have established the Clean Energy Advocate pilot program through a U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities grant, which provides a free neutral resource for Sonoma County residents to learn about available resources in efficiency and solar. “The preservation of historic homes and improving their energy efficiency is encouraged because it achieves two City goals. Preserving our natural resources by making existing homes more energy efficient, thereby “greening” the community and maintaining the charm and the intrinsic aesthetic beauty of the fine craftsmanship from Healdsburg’s historic past. These older homes are part of the fabric of our community that makes Healdsburg so special,” said City of Healdsburg Building Official Scott Ward. Ward said that Healdsburg’s Green City Committee is excited about this partnership. “We have found that by working with the Clean Energy Advocates we are better able to provide critical energy efficiency information and education to our residents.” The workshop will be held at the Foss Creek Community Center at 1557 Healdsburg Dr. On August 29th another workshop will take place in Santa Rosa at the historic and recently renovated DeTurk Round Barn. For more information please contact the City of Santa Rosa Clean Energy Advocates at 707‐543‐3886 or CEA@srcity.org or www.srcity.org/CEA. Bank of Marin Named to US Banker's Top 200 Community Bank List BoDean Company Honored at Solar Leader's Circle Event FREE Small Business Tax & Regional Opportunities Seminar on July 20 Agilent Wins Sustainable Business Award City of Santa Rosa Recognized by U.S. Department of Energy for Solar Leadership The City of Santa Rosa’s Solar America City team received a Steel on the Roof award for having facilitated the installation of 42 megawatts of solar PV throughout Sonoma County; more than any other county participating in the Solar America Cities program. The City was also honored with a Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu for advancing the city’s solar market and serving as a model for communities nationwide. “It is clear to me that there is tremendous value in the connections we have with the U.S. Department of Energy and with our partnering Solar America Cities throughout the nation as we forge a common vision for other communities to follow. These resources and strong partnerships continue to strengthen Santa Rosa’s commitment to our GHG reduction targets while highlighting our abilities to remain a leader in renewable energy generation and overall market transformation,” said Mayor Ernesto Olivares. Through U.S. Department of Energy grant funding. The City of Santa Rosa has established a Clean Energy Advocate (CEA) program which provides an independent, unbiased advocate to assist Sonoma County homeowners in navigating the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water efficiency upgrade process. The City is in partnership with local non-profit Solar Sonoma County, and continues to work at the regional and state level to further overall solar market transformation. For more information please visit: www.srcity.org/CEA. For more information on Solar America Cities please visit: www.solaramericacommunities.energy.gov. Chamber Member Advanced Security Systems Celebrates 40 Years! Advanced Security Systems continues to be family owned and operated by Rick and Chuck Petrusha, serving customers from the Golden Gate to the Oregon border. Offering a state of the art local company owned central monitoring station, Advanced Security Systems is always there; providing 24-hour monitoring, technical support, and local friendly service. “Our company is turning 40, and our commitment to quality services continues. Now more than ever, new products and services make it easier to install and operate a Security System while enhancing the “peace of mind” experienced when using any of our services.” ~President and CEO, Chuck Petrusha. The Petrusha Family and their great staff of professionals look forward to serving you and the community for at least forty more years. Current products include quality Surveillance, Security and Fire Alarm Systems, as well as Personal Emergency Response Systems operating under the brand name Life+Guard™. Visit us online at: www.advanced security.us. Robert Jacques Has Joined AXIA Architects AXIA Architects is one of Sonoma County’s leading architectural firms. Recent projects include the Ukiah High School Modernization, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley Library Remodel, technology facilities and numerous residences. More information can be found on AXIA Architects at www.axiaarchitects.com. 2011 Women in Business Winners Announced SBA Names La Tortilla Factory Execs Small Business Persons of the Year “It's a special honor because we got started with an SBA startup loan,” said Carlos Tamayo. Jose and Maria Tamayo and their five sons began the company in 1977 with a $50,000 SBA-guaranteed loan. Today the business has nearly 300 employees and produces more than 1 million tortillas a day. “The Tamayo family story of creating and expanding their business while introducing new products to sustain growth over the past 30 years is impressive, especially considering the hundreds of new jobs they've brought to the community,” said Mark Quinn, who heads SBA's 13-county district office in San Francisco. Santa Rosa Recognizes Early Solar Adopters in Sonoma County “While our program aims to educate property owners who have yet to install solar, it is important to recognize those who are already paving the way - our Solar Community Leaders. We want them to feel proud of their efforts and in turn motivate others in the community to think about their energy usage.” says Julie Carlton, a Clean Energy Advocate for the City of Santa Rosa. The Clean Energy Advocates presented each leader with an award and broke out into focus groups to learn new ways that local governments can provide assistance to property owners through the solar process. The Clean Energy Advocate is an independent and unbiased free resource available to assist homeowners throughout the energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy upgrade process. Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities program, the City of Santa Rosa and Solar Sonoma County have partnered and are tasked to promote the advancement of, and address market barriers for, solar PV and solar thermal countywide. The CEA aims to contribute to the installation of solar PV or solar thermal systems on 30 homes by December of 2011. For more information on solar, free monthly workshops and the CEA program please visit www.srcity.org/CEA. Agilent Sponsorship Gives Life to CPR Training at Piner High School Approximately 300 Piner students completed the same "hands-only" CPR training that 50 Agilent employees at the company’s Santa Rosa facility learned last July. AHA coordinated both CPR training events as part of Agilent’s sponsorship of the AHA Heart Walk, which this year is scheduled on Aug. 21 in Howarth Park. News Reports Show Sonoma County May Be Heading in the Right Direction Santa Rosa Named One of America's 15 Most Active Cities by Time Magazine Students benefit when local businesses get involved Sonoma County is a smart place! Ranked #39 for smartest city As the economy recovers, an educated workforce becomes increasingly important for an area's economic success. Thus it's positive indeed to see that Sonoma County (Santa Rosa MSA) is in the upper 20% of regions in the US in terms of educational attainment, as recently ranked by Portfolio.com in their “Brainpower Index”. Agilent’s Santa Rosa Facility Wins State Waste Reduction Award for 10th Straight Year Santa Rosa Visitors Bureau Director Takes Chamber Post in Healdsburg Since 2001 McElroy has led an eight-person staff, with 12 volunteers, overseeing an annual operating budget of $1 million with responsibility for group sales, marketing, public relations and the operation of the California Welcome Center. In her role at the bureau, McElroy was instrumental in bringing the Amgen Tour of California bicycle races to Sonoma County, as well as assisting cyclist Levi Leipheimer in organizing the Gran Fondo bicycle tour that attracted 6,000 cyclists to Sonoma County last month. In Healdsburg she will join a full-time staff of three, with two part-time weekend employees. The chamber has 650 business members and an annual operating budget of $400,000. It also performs visitor center services, operates an economic development office and administers a total of $400,000 in promotional, tourism, marketing and management services with the City of Healdsburg. She was unanimously chosen by the chamber’s board of directors following a national executive search. “She is a proven leader in our community, an exceptional builder of partnerships and alliances, and a very dynamic person. Her experience and skill set are simply a perfect fit for Healdsburg,” Chamber Board President Renee Mengali said in a statement. McElroy is a Guerneville resident and is a California native from San Diego where she worked at Sea World in international tours, travel sales and event management. She is the mother of three daughters and a member of Healdsburg’s Raven Players acting group. Courtesy of The Press Democrat. Agilent's Santa Rosa Site Named Winner of "Great Race for Clean Air During the months of August and September, employees at companies throughout the Bay Area together saved more than 900 tons of CO2 by using alternatives to driving alone to work. To see a list of winning companies in the competition, go to the "Spare the Air" website 2010 Health Care Conference: What health care reform will mean to you and your business, as hospitals invest hundreds of millions in new facilities and programs Following John Kabateck, executive director of NFIB/California, a panel of top North Bay hospital executives will discuss the impacts of reform along with hundreds of millions of dollars in hospital and other projects. The conference will be at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49 per person or $510 for a table of 10 and include continental breakfast. To register, contact Linda Perkins at 707-521-5264 or events@busjrnl.com by Friday, Nov. 12, or go to www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com. As employers navigate the murky waters of employee coverage, a perspective on what the future of local health care options will look like will be of great value, including an overview of construction projects for new and expanded facilities, enhanced programs to meet specialized needs of local residents and plans for adapting to new mandates. Speakers will include Lee Domanico, CEO of Marin General Hospital and the Marin Healthcare District; Wayne Fairchild, CEO of Redwood Regional Medical Group; Kirk Pappas, M.D., assistant physician in chief for health promotion, diversity and service; Kevin Klockenga, president and CEO of St. Joseph Health System–Sonoma County; and Mike Purvis, chief administrative officer of Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa.
Agilent Technologies' Santa Rosa Site Wins Awards for Environmental, Sustainability Programs The Agilent Environmental Challenge program also will receive an "environmental stewardship" award at the North Bay Leadership Council's annual “Leaders of the North Bay” luncheon on Oct. 29 honoring organizations, individuals, teams and partnerships for significant contributions to the prosperity and quality of life of Sonoma and Marin counties. "Leadership in Sustainability" award Agilent will be among other organizations and individuals receiving "leadership in sustainability" awards for displaying "remarkable achievement or inspiration in the goal of creating a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable community." AT&T Announces Industry-First Financing Initiative to Help Small Businesses Secure "Game-Changing" Wireless Solutions Santa Rosa Chamber WHEEL and Algebra Academy Program featured in the North Bay Biz CVB To Receive a City of Santa Rosa Merit Award Each year, the City of Santa Rosa sponsors a Merit Awards Program which recognizes individuals, organizations, architecture and/or landscaping that have contributed to the quality of life in Santa Rosa. The program is administered by a special committee of the Board of Community Services on behalf of the City Council. Nominations are submitted to the Merit Awards Committee which reviews and selects the most outstanding nominees. A special ceremony will be held on Monday, November 8th. In the award letter the Mayor says, “On behalf of the Merit Awards Committee, Board of Community Services, and the City Council, we congratulate you for your contributions in helping make Santa Rosa a better place to live.” Congratulations to the outstanding staff and volunteers of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the California Welcome Center! Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Award the Santa Rosa Convention and Visitors Bureau with a Gold Resolution
The New Moody's Forecast for the Wine Sector Follow the Leaders Wili's Wine Bar Named in Top 100 Restaurant List CNN Money Magazine Names Santa Rosa as Top City for 2010 Real Estate Price Gain Local Getaway Mentioned on Today Show BEA: The Bottom Line - Spring Issue |
Monica Rodriguez has joined the staff of the Sonoma County Fair as Exhibits Coordinator and will also be managing the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Rodriguez, the former Exhibits Supervisor at the Alameda County Fair, brings to Sonoma a deep love for agricultural education and a strong background in livestock and home arts exhibition.
Jason Weaver of AXIA Architects Promoted to Job Captain
Adobe Associates on Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa understands the importance of efficiently maximizing properties, so to them it only made sense to contact Westcoast Solar Energy to perform an Efficiency Package, which eliminated Adobe Associate's electric bill and drastically reduced their heating loads.
